Bid amount for spectrum continues to rise above Rs 1 lakh crore; 13% still available

Bid amount for spectrum continues to rise above Rs 1 lakh crore; 13% still available

NEW DELHI: The bid amount for the spectrum auctions continues to be above the figure of Rs 1 lakh crore with around 13 per cent spectrum still available for allocation.

 

 With this around 87 per cent of the spectrum has been provisionally allocated in the 2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 900 MHz and 800 MHz bands now.

 

 Aggressive bidding was still on at the end of the 55th round with six rounds completed till 13 March. The bid amount figure had been recorded at Rs 1,02,000 crore yesterday evening.

 

The auction will continue in all bands with brisk bidding in 1800 MHz, 900 MHz and 800 MHz bands.

 

A majority of service areas are going at a premium over reserve price. With 100 per cent activity requirement and activity in new service areas, competitive bidding is expected to continue.

 

The government had initially expected to reap around Rs 49,000 crore from the auction, though the Communications and IT Ministry sources had later predicted that it would get close to Rs 1 lakh crore.